Visiting Colleges to Find Your Dream School? You Need These Tips!

Because campus tours are just the beginning.

Real talk: Choosing a college is a big deal. You want to make the most informed decision possible when figuring out where you're going to be for the next four years, and while cursory internet research is helpful, scouting schools IRL is the best way to get a genuine feel for a place. (Seriously, I thought I found my small West Coast dream school until I checked out the beautiful-but-totally-not-for-me campus in person—it was a gut thing, and I ended up at a bigger East Coast university instead.) That being said, college visits take time and money, so you'll want to maximize your experience. How, you ask? Read on for our best tips.

Attend a Class

While tours show you the sights (and by sights, we mean dorms, dining halls, and libraries), they won't give you a real sense for what the school part of school is like. Sitting in on a class, whether it's a huge lecture or a tiny seminar, is something you should definitely do if you have the time. The admissions office can help you find one based on your academic interests and steer you toward the best professors.

Connect with Current Students

Maybe a big draw for you is a school's student newspaper or undergrad a cappella group? Meet up with someone from your campus club of choice and ask them about their experience. (Again, the admissions office can put you in touch with the right people!) Not only will you learn about the extracurricular aspect, you'll also gain some insight into the adjacent social life. Some schools even have programs that pair prospective students with current ones for overnight stays.

Think Logistically

There are two things you can't totally gauge unless you're physically on campus: transportation and safety. These are important factors! Take into consideration how people get around while you're there—do they need bikes or cars? Can they walk everywhere, and if not, is there public or campus transit? Also think about the safety measures that are in place (security guards, blue light phones), particularly if you're on an open urban campus.

Be Confident—but Not a Jerk

Put yourself out there a little bit! If the school you're visiting reads applications regionally, find your admissions rep and say hi or leave a note if they're out of the office. Showing interest can go a long way; schools want students that want them. Just don't be that person who asks a million easily Googleable questions in the info session—it's a transparent move that won't earn you any points.

Take Advantage of Geography

Check out as many schools as you can, especially if you're visiting a city that's far away. If you want to see Tufts, also make sure you hit up Boston University, Harvard, Brandeis, and/or any of Boston's dozens of other schools that may appeal to you in some way. What happens if you know that a school's not a good fit from the minute you step on campus? Cut your losses and head to another.

And Remember: It's All About You

Really, this is your decision. You should of course listen to your parents' concerns and take into consideration the financials of any given college option, but keep in mind that you are the one going away for four years—not them. If you know a big state school isn't the place for you even though your dad wants it to be, that's OK! Check out as many colleges as you can and present your case to your parents using all the facts (and gut feelings!) you gathered. Onward!